Favour Ashe has officially booked his place in the men’s 100m semifinals at the 2026 African Athletics Championships in Accra after a dramatic day filled with controversy and redemption.
The Nigerian sprint star ran a solo qualification race after Team Nigeria successfully appealed his earlier disqualification for an alleged false start.
Ashe responds in style after appeal victory
Ashe delivered when it mattered most, clocking 10.55 seconds in the special run arranged by organisers following Nigeria’s successful protest.
The time was enough to secure him a place among the top 24 athletes advancing to Wednesday’s semifinals.
The sprinter had initially been thrown out of the competition after officials ruled him guilty of a false start during the heats.
However, Nigeria challenged the decision, citing repeated malfunctions with the starting gun, and the appeal was eventually upheld.
Nigeria wins medals in women’s discus
Team Nigeria also celebrated success in the women’s discus event, finishing Day One of the championships with two medals.
Divine Oladipo marked her first international outing for Nigeria with an impressive silver medal performance.
Meanwhile, Obiageri Amaechi secured the bronze medal to complete a double podium finish for Team Nigeria.
Positive start for Team Nigeria
After an eventful opening day in Accra, Team Nigeria’s athletes continue to show strong medal potential across multiple events as the championships gather momentum.
